Monday, 21 September 2015

This high-explosive round is fired from the 107mm corps guns M1910/30 and M1940 (M-60). These weapons are obsolete in the Soviet Army, but they may be found in service with Satellite armies. This projectile has a relatively thin-walled casing and large bursting charge. It gives a greater blast effect than the VOF-423, but less fragmentation.

The RGM (with supplementary booster), UGT, and UGT-2 fuzes are used with the F-422L projectile in this round. The VF-423 complete round also may be found with an F-422M projectile using an RGM fuze.

The following complete rounds are variants of the VF-423 round: VF-423D, with the F-420U projectile using the UGT-2 fuze; and VF-423K, with the F-422L projectile and the 3GT fuze. They are basically the same as the VF-423 and are fired from the same weapons.

Note. The dimensions for the cartridge case in the above illustration have not been verified.

Characteristics

Caliber: 106.7 (4.2 in)

Weight of complete round: 22.32kg (49.1 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 16.58kg (36.47 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.35kg (5.16 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 1.56kg (3.44 lbs)

Packaging

This ammunition may be packed in a two-round wooden box, as illustrated﻿, or a four-round box may be used. Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed seperately, 3 projectiles to a box, and 20 cartridge cases to a box.

This fragmentation high-explosive round is fired from the 107mm corps guns M1910/30 and M1940 (M-60). These weapons are obsolete in the Soviet Army, but they may possibly be found in service with Satellite armies. The illustrated round gives both fragmentation and blast effect.

The setting of the fuze determines whether the fragmentation or blast effect will be the greater in any given instance. The projectile burst will produce from 300 to 400 lethal fragments.

The RGM and D-1 fuzes are used with the OF-420 projectile in this round. The RGM fuze is used for impact fire or, with a delay setting, for ricochet fire. The D-1 fuze is used exclusively for time fire.

The VOF-423U complete round, with an OF-420U projectile using a UGT-2 fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round. It is basically the same as the VOF-423 and is fired from the same weapons.

Characteristics

Caliber: 106.7 (4.2 in)

Weight of complete round: 23.2kg (51 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 17.18kg (37.8 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.79kg (6.14 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 2.15kg (4.73 lbs)

Packaging

This ammunition may be packed in a two-round wooden box, as illustrated﻿, or a four-round box may be used. Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed seperately.

This incendiary round is fired from the 107mm corps guns M1910/30 and M1940 (M-60). These weapons are obsolete in the Soviet Army, but they may possibly be found in service with Satellite armies.

Incendiary rounds are used to start fires in and behind enemy lines, in order to destroy wooden structures, fuel dumps, and ammunition supplies. The Z-420 projectile shown above is loaded with 16 segments of either thermite or "electron", and a small explosive bursting charge.

The T-6 and T-7 fuzes are used with the Z-420 projectile of this round. Both of these fuzes are provided with a brass cap (not shown in the above drawing).

Characteristics

Caliber: 106.7 (4.2 in)

Weight of complete round: 23.23kg (51.1 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 17.24kg (37.93 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.79kg (6.14 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Thermite (16 segments) and explosive

Weight of projectile filler: 1.604kg (3.53 lbs)

Packaging

This ammunition may be packed in a two-round wooden packing box, as illustrated, or in a four-round box. Projectiles are also packed seperately, three to a wooden box. Box measurements in the above illustration have not been verified.

This smoke round is fired from the 107mm corps guns M1910/30 and M1940 (M-60). These weapons are obsolete in the Soviet Army, but may be found in service with Satellite armies. Smoke rounds are used by the Soviets for denying observation to enemy firing points and observation posts, for laying wide smoke screens over entire sectors, for target spotting, and for other purposes.

The common smoke compositions used in Soviet smoke rounds are phosphorus, sulfur trioxide, and chloride of tin. Although the principal use of phosphorus is to produce smoke, it is an incendiary and casualty-producing agent as well. It ignites spontaneously upon contact with the air and continues to burn even when embedded in the flesh.

The D-422 projectile shown above contains a smoke composition and a black powder bursting charge. The UGT-2 fze is used with the D-422 projectile in this round. The D-422 projectile is a steel shell of an old model, and must be fired with a reduced charge.

The complete round VD-423U, with the D-422U projectile using the UGT-2 fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round. It is basically the same as the VD-423 and is fired from the same weapons.

Note. The dimensions given for the cartridge case in the above illustration have not been verified.

Characteristics

Caliber: 106.7 (4.2 in)

Weight of complete round: 22.31kg (49.1 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 16.77kg (36.89 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.34kg (5.15 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Phosphorus and black powder

Weight of projectile filler: 2.08kg (4.57 lbs)

Packaging

This ammunition may be packed in a two-round wooden box, as illustrated﻿, or a four-round box. Projectiles are also packed seperately, three to a wooden box.

Note. The dimensions given for the box in the above illustration have not been verified.

This ball shrapnel round is fired from the 107mm corps guns M1910/30 and M1940 (M-60). These weapons are obsolete in the Soviet Army, but may be found in service with Satellite armies. Shrapnel rounds are used primarily against exposed personnel. The Sh-422 projectile contains shrapnel balls of a lead and antimony composition, and a small bursting charge.

The 45-sec time fuze is used with the Sh-422 projectile in this round. A light metal cap is crimped onto the 45-sec fuze for shipping and must be removed before firing. The model designation may or may not be stamped on the fuze.

The complete round VSh-423T, using a Sh-422T projectile with the T-6 fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round. It is basically the same as the VSh-423and is fired from the same weapon.

Characteristics

Caliber: 106.7 (4.2 in)

Weight of complete round: 22.5kg (49.5 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 16.53kg (36.38 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.35kg (5.16 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Ball shrapnel and explosive

Weight of projectile filler: 0.196kg (0.432 lbs)

Packaging

This ammunition may be packed in a two-round wooden box, as illustrated﻿, or a four-round box. Projectiles are also packed seperately, three to a box.

Monday, 14 September 2015

Naval 20mm ammunition is divided into two classes: Type 99 Mk I and Type 99 Mk II. The two are distinguished by the fact that the Mk I uses a small-size cartridge case (3.79 in), and the Mk II uses a large-size cartridge case (3.98 in).

Both sizes use the same projectiles and fuzes, but there are a greater number of types and modifications of rounds in the smaller size.

This ammunition is a Japanese copy of the Swiss Oerlikon design. In addition to rounds of Japanese make, some of Swiss origin have been used by the Japanese.

The cases are of the reduced-rim type and are crimped to the projectiles by either three or six crimps at the cannelure, and sealed with a clear lacquer.

Propellant:The propellant from the Japanese-manufactured rounds is graphited, single-base, single perforated, cylindrical, nitrocellulose grains. The propellant from the Swiss rounds is single-base, graphite-coated, nitrocellulose grains, in the form of flakes. The Mk I case contains 13.6 grams of propellant and the Mk II case contains 21.4 grams of propellant.

Projectiles:In the case of Japanese manufactured ammunition, the type of projectile is indicated by painting the projectile body a solid color. Subsequent modifications of the original type are indicated by one or more white bands around the projectile body, thus:

Colors and markings: Greenish-Yellow overall, with one or more white bands to indicate modifications.

Remarks:The body of all projectiles (basic and modifications) is of steel, with one cavity. The base of the cavity contains TNT, above which is an aluminum cannister containing white phosphorus. The cannister is surrounded by a graphited, flake nitrocellulose incendiary mixture. The Model 4 projectile eliminates the TNT and has a longer white phosphorus cannister.

Differences between the basic projectiles and subsequent modifications are principally in the fuzes and slight changes in the shape of the cavity.

Remarks:The body of all these projectiles (basic and five modifications) contains two cavities separated by a steel septum. The upper cavity contains the H.E. filling, while the lower contains the tracer. The same H.E. filling and tracer mixture are used in all instances.

Differences between the basic projectile and subsequent modifications are principally in the fuzes and weight of H.E. and tracer filling used.

*The No. Model and Model 1 projectiles are 0.16 inch shorter than the other rounds.

20mm High-Explosive Tracer (Self-Destroying) Projectile

Weight of projectile (Fuzed): 4.5 oz

Length of projectile (Fuzed): 3.15 inches

Length of complete round:

-Mk I: 5.58 inches

-Mk II: 6.76 inches

Filling: Pentolite (50 percent TNT, 50 percent PETN)

Weight of filling: 0.15 oz

Fuzing: Model 1

Color and markings:

Japanese: Red overall

Swiss: Black overall

Remarks:

The projectiles are similar to the H.E. tracer types except for their self-destroying feature, which is accomplished by a hole drilled through the septum of the projectile. A black-powder train leads from the tracer, through the hole in the septum and the H.E. filling, to the base of the gaine.

20mm Armor-Piercing Incendiary Projectile

Weight of projectile: 4.64 oz

Length of projectile: 3.15 inches

Length of complete round:

-Mk I: 5.58 inches

-Mk II: 6.76 inches

Filling: Incendiary mixture

- Nitrocellulose: 77.5%

- Sodium Nitrate: 11.3%

- Aluminum: 11.2%

Weight of filling: 0.12 oz

Fuzing: None

Color and Markings: White overall

Remarks:

The projectile is unfuzed and has a pointed steel body and a soft copper cap soldered to the nose. The incendiary filling loaded through the base is sealed with a threaded base plug.

Upon impact, the rear end of the projectile ruptures and the heat generated ignites the incendiary filling.

The projectile is unfuzed; has a blunt nose and a long cavity containing the tracer-element. It is loaded so as to be the first round fired to break the muzzle cover. It is, therefore, often referred to as a "bag-buster".

In addition to the basic Japanese type, Modifications II and III exist, as well as a similar round of Swiss make. The weight of tracer constitutes the difference in the Japanese modifications.

20mm Practice Projectile

Weight of projectile: 4.45 oz

Length of projectile: 3.23 inches

Length of complete round:

-Mk I: 5.66 inches

-Mk II: 6.84 inches

Filling: None

Fuzing: None

Color and Markings: Black overall

Remarks:

The projectile is unfuzed and has a blunt nose. It has an empty cavity which is closed at the base with a crimped steel plug. No modifications exist.

Monday, 7 September 2015

This fragmentation round is fired from the 85mm anti-aircraft gun M1939, from the 85mm tank guns M1943 (D-5T85) and M1944 (ZIS-S53), from the 85mm self-propelled gun M1943 (D5-S85 and D5-S85A), and from the 85mm divisional gun M1945 (?). It is possibly also fired from the 85mm AA gun M1944. It is used against personnel﻿, equipment, and aerial targets.

The KTM-1 fuze is used in the O-365K fragmentation projectile of this round.

The following complete rounds are variants of the illustrated round: UO-365, with an O-365 projectile using a T-5 or T-11 time fuze; and UO-365M, with an O-365M projectile using a VM-2 time fuze. These variants differ from the UO-365K primarily in their use of time fuzes and in their markings; they are otherwise very similar to the UO-365K in their external appearance, and they are fired from the same weapons.

Characteristics

Caliber: 85mm (3.35 in)

Weight of complete round: 15.1kg (33.22 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 9.58kg (21.11 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.63kg (5.79 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 0.78kg (1.71 lbs)

Packaging

The illustrated packing box has a capacity of four rounds, with an estimated gross weight of about 76kg (167 lbs). This ammunition also may be found in three-round packing boxes. The ammunition may be packed with or without fuzes.

85mm Complete Round, Fixed, AP-T, UBR-365K

This round is fired from the 85mm anti-aircraft gun M1939, from the 85mm tank guns M1943 (D-5T85) and M1944 (ZIS-S53), from the 85mm self-propelled gun M1943 (D5-S85 and D5-S85A), and from the 85mm divisional gun M1945 (?). It is possibly also fired from the 85mm AA gun M1944. It is used against such ground targets as tanks, armored trains, and armored or reinforced concrete structures. Its projectile contain a small base cavity filled with high-explosive.

The MD-8 fuze is used with the BR-365K armor-piercing tracer projectile of this round.

The UBR-365 complete round, with a BR-365 projectile using an MD-8 fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round. It differs from the UBR-365K in that the projectile is flat-nose and provided with a windshield. It is fired from the same weapons.

The same complete round as shown in the above drawing has been found with projectile BR-365K and fuze MD-8 but with the identification code UBZR-365K stenciled on the cartridge case. Although this code signifies an API-T complete round, analysis of the actual round discloses that the projectile filler does not differ from that in the UBR-365K round.

Characteristics

Caliber: 85mm (3.35 in)

Weight of complete round: 15.87kg (35 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 9.21kg (20.3 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.48kg (5.47 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: RDX and aluminum (74/22)

Weight of projectile filler: 0.16kg (0.35 lbs)

Packaging

The illustrated container has a capacity of 3 rounds, with a gross weight of approximately 63kg (139 lbs). This ammunition may also be found in packing boxes of four rounds. The gross weight may be shown on the side of the box, in the lower right-hand corner, by the marking БРУТТО 65 КГ (gross weight 65 kg).

85mm Complete Round, Fixed, HVAP-T, UBR-365P

This high-velocity armor-piercing tracer round is fired from the 85mm anti-aircraft gun M1939, from the 85mm tank guns M1943 (D-5T85) and M1944 (ZIS-S53), from the 85mm self-propelled gun M1943 (D5-S85 and D5-S85A), and from the 85mm divisional gun M1945 (?). It is possibly also fired from the 85mm AA gun M1944. It is used against tanks, other types of armoured vehicles, and armoured fortifications.

Its projectile is a solid shot with a tungsten carbide core. A windshield is threaded onto the forward end of the projectile body.

No fuze is used with the BR-365P high-velocity armor-piercing tracer projectile of this round.

Note. Stamped numbers shown on the body of the projectile in the above illustration were taken from an actual projectile. They are believed to identify the projectile by manufacturing plant, lot number, and year of manufacture. It is possible that one of the four numbers may be a smelt number. These projectiles also have been found with only three stamped numbers, instead of the four shown above. The identification code number which is stenciled on all other types of projectiles apparently does not appear on HVAP projectiles.

Characteristics

Caliber: 85mm (3.35 in)

Weight of complete round: 11.63kg (25.62 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 4.95kg (10.92 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.89kg (6.38 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Tungsten Carbide

Weight of projectile filler: 0.62kg (1.38 lbs)

Packaging

The illustrated packing box has a capacity of 3 rounds, with an estimated gross weight of 44kg (97 lbs). This ammunition also may be found in four-round containers. The gross weight may be stenciled on the packing box, in the form of БРУТТО 44 КГ. The Cyrillic abbreviation ПОДКАЛ, which means that the packing box contains "subcaliber" (HVAP) ammunition, may also appear on the box.

100mm Complete Round, Fixed, HE, UF-412

Known guns from which this high-explosive round is fired include the 100mm field (anti-tank) gun M1944 (BS-3), and the 100mm self-propelled gun M1944 (D-10S), which is mounted on the SU-100.

This projectile has a relatively thin-walled casing and a large bursting charge.

The RGM fuze is used with the F-412 projectile in this round.

Characteristics

Caliber: 100mm (3.94 in)

Weight of complete round: 30kg (66 lbs) (estimated)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 15.9kg (35.05 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 5.47kg (12.04 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 2.16kg (4.76 lbs)

Packaging

The illustrated wooden box has a capacity of 2 rounds, with an estimated gross weight of about 77kg (169 lbs). The gross weight may be stenciled on the box in the form БРУТТО 77 КГ.

Note. The dimensions on the above drawing have not been verified.

100mm Complete Round, Fixed, AP-T, UBR-412

Known guns from which this armor-piercing tracer round is fired include the 100mm field (anti-tank) gun M1944 (BS-3), and the 100mm self-propelled gun M1944 (D-10S), which is mounted on the SU-100.

It is used against such targets as tanks, armoured trains, and armoured or reinforced concrete structures. Its projectile contains a small base cavity filled with high-explosive.

The MD-8 fuze is used with the BR-412 projectile in this round.

Characteristics

Caliber: 100mm (3.94 in)

Weight of complete round: 30kg (67 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 15.7kg (34.59 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 5.47kg (12.04 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 0.6kg (1.31 lbs)

Packaging

The illustrated wooden box has a capacity of 2 rounds, with an estimated gross weight of about 77kg (169 lbs). On one end of the packing box (not shown in the above drawing) are stenciled markings pertaining to the primer. These markings identifiy the primer by type, lot number, year of manufacture, and manufacturing plant.